During a public outreach in Chattogram-8, three people, including BNP’s nominated candidate and Chattogram Metropolitan BNP convenor Ershad Ullah, were shot. Among them, Sarwar Babla died from his injuries.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (5 November) around 5:30 PM.
A 15-second video of the attack went viral on social media, showing Ershad Ullah distributing leaflets with party workers while Sarwar Babla was slightly behind. Suddenly, a young man pressed a pistol to Sarwar’s neck and fired. The first gunshot caused the workers to panic and scatter, and several more shots were heard.
Apart from Ershad Ullah, the other injured include Irfanul Haque Shanto, Joint Convenor of the Panchlaish 3rd Ward Volunteer Group, whose condition is critical. Sarwar Babla was taken to the hospital but was declared dead.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz stated that there are preliminary assumptions regarding the perpetrators. Ershad Ullah was not the intended target; the shots were aimed at Sarwar Babla.
The commissioner added that Sarwar Babla had a criminal record and those responsible are believed to have been his rivals.
He further noted that while many arrests are being made in the crime-affected areas, the suspects flee to remote locations, making their capture difficult.
Regarding law and order before the election, Commissioner Hasib Aziz said such incidents are undesirable right before the election and authorities will remain vigilant to prevent any recurrence.
Khaborwala/TSN
